Inflatable sleeping pad systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Inflatable sleeping pad systems and methods are provided. An inflatable sleeping pad may include a central pad including a self-inflating foam, at least one inflatable side rail connected to at least one edge of the central pad, and a valve configured to pass air between an external environment and an interior of the inflatable sleeping pad. A system may include the inflatable sleeping pad and a storage bag configured to receive the inflatable sleeping bag when in a deflated configuration. The system may include a removable covering configured to cover at least a portion of the inflatable sleeping pad when in an inflated configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/218,818, filed Jul. 6, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate generally to portable sleeping solutions and, more particularly, to systems and methods for an inflatable sleeping pad.

BACKGROUND

Conventional systems and methods of providing temporary sleeping solutions can be less than desirable. For example, refugee camps and various shelters (e.g., disaster relief, homeless, abuse, etc.) may not be equipped with sufficient beds to handle demand, whether due to cost and/or space constraints. Temporary sleeping solutions should also be intuitive and easy to set up and take down. Therefore, there is a need in the art for systems and methods that address the above deficiencies, other deficiencies known in the industry, or at least offers an alternative to current techniques.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are provided for an inflatable sleeping pad. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an inflatable sleeping pad is provided. The inflatable sleeping pad may include a central pad including a self-inflating foam, at least one inflatable side rail connected to at least one edge of the central pad, and a valve configured to pass air between an external environment and an interior of the inflatable sleeping pad.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a sleep system is provided. The sleep system may include an inflatable sleeping pad and a storage bag configured to receive the inflatable sleeping bag when in a deflated configuration. The inflatable sleeping pad may include a central pad having self-inflating foam, at least one inflatable side rail connected to at least one edge of the central pad, and a valve configured to pass air between an external environment and an interior of the inflatable sleeping pad. The sleep system may include a removable covering configured to cover at least a portion of the inflatable sleeping pad when in an inflated configuration.

Additional features are set forth in part in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification and drawings or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, individual aspects can be claimed separately or in combination with other aspects and features. Thus, the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the claimed invention or its applications or uses. It is to be understood that structural and/or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the arrangements illustrated herein, with the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the inflatable sleeping pad described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the inflatable sleeping pad and associated sleep system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an inflatable sleeping pad in an inflated configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the sleeping pad, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the sleeping pad, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeping pad in a deflated configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates the sleeping pad in a rolled-up configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates the sleeping pad in a rolled-up and secured configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates the sleeping pad positioned within a storage bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates the sleeping pad secured within the storage bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the storage bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the storage bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a covering, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the covering, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hem of the covering, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates the covering in a rolled-up configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals may be used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, inflatable sleeping pad systems and methods are provided. The inflatable sleeping pad may provide a sleeping solution for temporary and/or permanent sleep arrangements, such as camping, refugee camps, disaster relief shelters, homeless shelters, abuse shelters, sleepovers, nomadic living, spare bed, limited space arrangements, etc. The sleeping pad may be inflated when needed to provide a padded sleeping surface and deflated for compact storage.

The sleeping pad may include a central pad having self-inflating foam, one or multiple inflatable side rails connected to the central pad, and a valve for inflating and deflating the sleeping pad. The sleeping pad may be provided as part of a system, such as a matched sleep system. The sleep system may include a storage bag for receiving the sleeping bag in a deflated configuration. The sleep system may include a removable covering to cover the sleeping surface of the sleeping pad.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an inflatable sleeping pad in an inflated configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the sleeping pad, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the sleeping pad, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , an inflatable sleeping pad 100 is provided. The sleeping pad 100 may provide a lightweight and portable sleeping solution. For example, the sleeping pad 100 may provide a sleeping solution for temporary and/or permanent sleep arrangements. As detailed more fully below, the sleeping pad 100 may be inflated when needed to provide a sleeping surface 102 and deflated for compact storage. Depending on the application, the sleeping pad 100 may be inflated or deflated automatically and/or under device and/or user assistance (e.g., via a pump, by mouth, etc.).

The sleeping pad 100 may include many configurations. As shown, the sleeping pad 100 may include a central portion for supporting the body of a user and one or more side portions for limiting the user from sliding off the sides of the sleeping pad 100. For example, the sleeping pad 100 may include a central pad 108 and at least one inflatable side rail 110 connected to at least one edge of the central pad 108, such as a first inflatable side rail 110A connected to a first edge 116 of the central pad 108 and a second inflatable side rail 110B connected to a second edge 118 of the central pad 108 opposite the first edge 116, although other configurations are contemplated.

The central pad 108 may include many configurations. For instance, the central pad 108 may include self-inflating foam to help support a user's weight and provide a level of comfort. The central pad 108 may be polygonal in shape, such as rectangular, square, trapezoidal, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal, among other shapes, although other configurations are contemplated, including non-polygonal. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the central pad 108 may include a length L and a width W defining the sleeping surface 102 matched to an average size of a target user, such as toddlers, children, teens, or adults. In that regard, the sleeping pad 100 may come in various sizes, with each size designed for a particular user in mind (e.g., a toddler sleeping pad, a child sleeping pad, an adult sleeping pad, etc.).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3 , at least one side rail 110 may extend along the entire length L of the central pad 108, although the side rails 110 may extend less than the length L of the central pad 108 in other embodiments. The first inflatable side rail 110A and second inflatable side rail 110B may extend along opposite sides of the central pad 108, such as the first and second inflatable side rails 110A, 110B being mirror images of each other across the central pad 108. As shown, each side rail 110 may include a trapezoidal or generally trapezoidal shape, although other configurations are contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the sleeping pad 100 may include a valve 124 configured to pass air between an external environment and an interior of the inflatable sleeping pad 100. For instance, the sleeping pad 100 may be inflated or deflated via the valve 124 using manual or assisted means (e.g., via a pump, by mouth, etc.). In embodiments, inflation of the sleeping pad 100 via the valve 124 may inflate both the central pad 108 and the side rail(s) 110, such as simultaneously or sequentially in any order. As shown, the valve 124 may be disposed in one of the inflatable side rails 110, such as in the first inflatable side rail 110A. The valve 124 may be disposed in either the top or the bottom of the sleeping pad 100. In embodiments, the valve 124 may be disposed in an end of a side rail 110.

The valve 124 may include any configuration allowing both inflation and deflation of the sleeping pad 100. For instance, the valve 124 may function as a check valve when inflating the sleeping pad 100 to limit undesired deflation during and/or after inflation. In some embodiments, the valve 124 may be reconfigured to allow deflation, such as a portion of the valve 124 removed or otherwise altered to allow deflation. In some embodiments, the valve 124 may include a cap to further limit undesired deflation after inflation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeping pad 100 in a deflated configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Deflation of the sleeping pad 100 may deflate both the central pad 108 and the side rails 110. Once deflated, the sleeping pad 100 may be reduced in volume, such as becoming substantially flat or planar. This reduction in volume of the sleeping pad 100 when deflated may facilitate portability of the sleeping pad 100. For example, the deflated sleeping pad 100 may be packed or stored in a small container or space. In addition, numerous sleeping pads 100 can be stored or transported in a deflated state without requiring much storage space. Once deflated, the valve 124 can be configured to limit undesired inflation of the sleeping pad 100, such as the valve 124 being capped.

FIG. 5 illustrates the sleeping pad 100 in a rolled-up configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates the sleeping pad 100 in a rolled-up and secured configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the deflated sleeping pad 100 may be configured for storage. For instance, the deflated sleeping pad 100 may be folded and/or rolled into a compact form to facilitate compact storage or packaging. Referring to FIG. 6 , at least one cinching strap 130, such as multiple cinching straps 130, may be placed around the folded and/or rolled sleeping pad 100 to secure the sleeping pad 100 in the deflated configuration. The cinching strap(s) 130 may be elastic or non-elastic. In some embodiments, the cinching strap 130 may include a buckle or other mechanism for cinching the strap tight onto or around the sleeping pad 100.

FIG. 7 illustrates the sleeping pad 100 positioned within a storage bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7 , the deflated sleeping pad 100 may be placed within a storage bag 134 or other container. Depending on the application, the sleeping pad 100 and storage bag 134 may be provided as a system 140 (e.g., a matched system, a sleep system, etc.). The system 140 may include other accessories or items. For example, the system 140 may include a repair kit, a pump, or a sleeping bag, or any combination thereof. The storage bag 134 may secure the sleeping pad 100 in the deflated configuration, similar to the cinching strap(s) 130 described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates the sleeping pad 100 secured within the storage bag 134, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the storage bag 134, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the storage bag 134, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 7-10 , the storage bag 134 may include many configurations. For example, the storage bag 134, which may be referred to as a cinch sack or drawstring bag, may be tubular with an enclosed bottom 144 and an opening 146. The deflated sleeping pad 100 may be inserted into the storage bag 134 through the opening 146, with the deflated sleeping pad 100 filling or generally filling the internal compartment of the storage bag 134. In some embodiments, the deflated sleeping pad 100 may be configured (e.g., rolled) to match or generally match the internal shape of the internal compartment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , once the sleeping pad 100 is positioned within the storage bag 134, the opening 146 may be closed to secure the sleeping pad 100. Depending on the application, the opening 146 may be closed via a drawstring 150. The drawstring 150 may be tied to hold it in place, or the drawstring 150 may be kept drawn using a cordlock 152 or other device. Referring to FIG. 10 , the drawstring 150 may be secured to the storage bag 134, such as to the bottom 144 of the storage bag 134 at a hem between bottom and side panels of the storage bag 134.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a covering, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the covering, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 13 illustrates a hem of the covering, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 11-13 , a removable covering 160 may be provided to cover at least a portion of the sleeping pad 100, such as when the sleeping pad 100 is in an inflated configuration. Depending on the application, the covering 160 may be provided in the system 140 with the sleeping pad 100 and storage bag 134 (e.g., a matched system, a sleep system, etc.). In some embodiments, the covering 160 may be provided as an additional accessory to the sleeping pad 100. In that regard, the covering 160 may be provided in various fabrics, colors, patterns, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the covering 160 may include a top 162 and bottom 164, respectively. The top 162 may be placed over the central pad 108 and side rail(s) 110, such as on the sleeping surface 102, with the bottom 164 wrapped around and under the sleeping pad 100, similar to a fitted sheet. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the covering 160 may include an elastic hem 168 to hold the covering 160 in place at least partially around the inflated sleeping pad 100.

FIG. 14 illustrates the covering 160 in a rolled-up configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Like the deflated sleeping pad 100, the covering 160 may be configured for storage. For instance, the covering 160 may be folded and/or rolled into a compact form to facilitate compact storage or packaging. In some embodiments, the covering 160 may be folded and/or rolled with the sleeping pad 100. In some embodiments, the folded and/or rolled covering 160 may be placed within the storage bag 134 to secure the sleeping pad 100 and covering 160 together within a single package. In some embodiments, the covering 160 may be placed within a separate sack.

All relative and directional references (including up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, side, front, rear, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

The present disclosure teaches by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable sleeping pad comprising: a central pad comprising self-inflating foam; at least one inflatable side rail connected to at least one edge of the central pad; and a valve configured to pass air between an external environment and an interior of the inflatable sleeping pad.
 2. The inflatable sleeping pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable side rail comprises: a first inflatable side rail connected to a first edge of the central pad; and a second inflatable side rail connected to a second edge of the central pad opposite the first edge.
 3. The inflatable sleeping pad of claim 2, wherein the valve is disposed in the first inflatable side rail.
 4. The inflatable sleeping pad of claim 1, wherein inflation of the inflatable sleeping pad via the valve inflates both the central pad and the at least one inflatable side rail.
 5. The inflatable sleeping pad of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable side rail extends along an entire length of the central pad.
 6. A system comprising: the inflatable sleeping pad of claim 1; a storage bag configured to receive the inflatable sleeping pad when in a deflated configuration; and a removable covering configured to cover at least a portion of the inflatable sleeping pad when in an inflated configuration.
 7. A sleep system comprising: an inflatable sleeping pad comprising: a central pad comprising self-inflating foam, at least one inflatable side rail connected to at least one edge of the central pad, and a valve configured to pass air between an external environment and an interior of the inflatable sleeping pad; and a storage bag configured to receive the inflatable sleeping bag in a deflated configuration.
 8. The sleep system of claim 7, further comprising a removable covering configured to cover at least a portion of the inflatable sleeping pad when in an inflated configuration.
 9. The sleep system of claim 8, wherein the covering comprises an elastic hem to hold the covering in place at least partially around the inflatable sleeping pad.
 10. The sleep system of claim 7, further comprising at least one cinching strap for securing the inflatable sleeping pad in the deflated configuration.
 11. The sleep system of claim 7, further comprising at least one of a repair kit, a pump, or a sleeping bag. 